My sisters condition started with forgetfulness and then she did the classic thing, she got lost coming to my home of twelve years. We have always been close. Living near each other and we raised our children together. She knew where I lived. It was surreal and unsettling beginning. It began our journey through the health care maze together. Me, a loving little sister who just happened to also be a Nurse and her #1 advocate. As for the family; in the beginning their was a lot of denial. I can't say how many times the local AD chapter has helped us with resources and information. I also volunteered there at one time. We did the AD walks together. Additionally, her care is managed by a group of Physicians who over see everything ( Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Internal Medicine, OBGYN, Dental ) Support groups , Clergy and counseling seemed to help family members who struggled with her diagnosis. Over time now ( 5 years) they have depended more on me for future answers and outcomes. She currently resides in Hospice and is in the end stages of the disease. She asked me to tell our story. I try to help as many caregivers as I can that I meet in the public and at work. It is a disease that is catastrophic for the entire family.
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My sisters condition started with forgetfulness and then she did the classic thing, she got lost coming to my home of twelve years. We have always been close. Living near each other and we raised our children together. She knew where I lived. It was surreal and unsettling beginning. It began our journey through the health care maze together. Me, a loving little sister who just happened to also be a Nurse and her #1 advocate. As for the family; in the beginning their was a lot of denial. I can't say how many times the local AD chapter has helped us with resources and information. I also volunteered there at one time. We did the AD walks together. Additionally, her care is managed by a group of Physicians who over see everything ( Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Internal Medicine, OBGYN, Dental ) Support groups , Clergy and counseling seemed to help family members who struggled with her diagnosis. Over time now ( 5 years) they have depended more on me for future answers and outcomes. She currently resides in Hospice and is in the end stages of the disease. She asked me to tell our story. I try to help as many caregivers as I can that I meet in the public and at work. It is a disease that is catastrophic for the entire family.
August 18, 2008 - 7:11pmThis Comment
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